Supplier Quality Engineer

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices. They are seeking a highly skilled Supplier Quality Engineer to lead the strategic sourcing, evaluation, and development of suppliers, collaborating with various teams to ensure alignment with technical and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with US-based suppliers, serving as the primary contact for quality-related matters
• Conduct supplier facility and process audits to verify compliance with internal quality standards and regulatory requirements
• Investigate and resolve supplier-related quality issues by identifying root causes and driving corrective and preventive actions
• Identify opportunities for process and quality improvements within the supplier network, with a focus on defect reduction and cost optimization
• Maintain comprehensive records of supplier performance, audits, source inspections, and corrective actions
• Communicate quality findings, risks, and recommendations effectively to engineering, manufacturing, and procurement teams
• Perform source inspections on mechanical assemblies, including review of First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR), sampling inspection plans, material traceability, and special processing
• Conduct supplier onboarding for new US suppliers, including on-site assessments and verification of contractual and regulatory compliance

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related technical field
• A minimum of 3 years in supplier development, supplier quality, or production quality within the aerospace, defense, or automotive industries
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including production lines and lean manufacturing principles
• Knowledge of GD&T with the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
• Experience performing part inspections using standard hand tools (calipers, pin gauges, height gauges, radius gauges)
• Familiarity with ITAR, DFARS, AS9100, ISO 9001, and similar industry certifications or regulatory frameworks
• Willingness to travel up to 50% within the US for on-site supplier assessments and source inspections
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective supplier and cross-functional relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to collaborate across engineering, procurement, operations, and quality teams
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documentation, inspections, and reports
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods
• Ability to perform on-site supplier inspections, including standing, walking, and moving around manufacturing facilities
• Ability to travel frequently (up to 50%) within the US
• Experience with manufacturing systems such as Solumina, Netsuite, or Autodesk Fusion
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
• Understanding of configuration management processes
• ASQ Certification (e.g., CQE, CQA)